Defence Institute of High Altitude Research

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Defence Institute of High Altitude Research
Established1962
Director Dr Om Prakash Chaurasia
Location Leh, Ladakh, India
Operating agency
DRDO
Website https://www.drdo.gov.in/labs-and-establishments/defence-institute-high-altitude-research-dihar

The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research [1] (DIHAR) is a defence laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) [2] located in Leh city of Ladakh in India. [3] It conducts research on cold arid agro-animal technologies.

Contents

History

In 2014, the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) successfully cross-bred and produced the hybrid Zanskar ponies, which can carry an increased weight load for the Indian Army's requirements. [4]

In 2015, DIHAR established an Extreme Altitude Research Centre in Chang La, Jammu and Kashmir, at a height of 17,600 ft above mean sea level, making world’s highest terrestrial research and development centre. [5]

In 2020, with an intent to make the DRDO leaner and more effective, it was proposed to merge the Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), DIHAR, and Defence Research Laboratory (DRL). The collaboration with the Defence Food Research Laboratory and the Central Food Technological Research Institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will be enhanced. [6] Also in 2020, DIHAR develped a microgreens cultivation technology for India's patrol posts and bunkers along the Saichen Glacier. [7]

Since 2024, DIHAR has been developing a solar thermal warming technology, which is named as "Solar Thermal Energy Based Technology for Space Heating (Human Habitation) In High Altitude", for warming the shelters for soldiers during Ladakh's winters. [8]

Administration

DIHAR is headed by a director. The present director of DIHAR is Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia.

See also

Research
Borders
Conflicts
Tourism and infrastructure
Geography

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References

  1. "Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  2. "DRDO establishes COVID-19 facility at Defence Institute of High Altitude Research". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  3. "Where is Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (D - GKToday". www.gktoday.in. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  4. Srivastava, Vanita (18 February 2014). "DRDO lab produces 'smarter' ponies for Indian Army". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  5. "DRDO inaugurates world's highest R&D centre in Chang La". Hindustan Times. 4 October 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  6. DRDO to become leaner and more focused on futuristic technology, The Week, 25 April 2021.
  7. Srikanth, B. R. (8 January 2020). "Siachen troops will get fresh veggies with help of new tech". The Asian Age. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  8. Bagla, Pallava (14 October 2024). "A Defence Lab Taps Solar Energy To Keep Indian Soldiers Warm In Ladakh". NDTV. Retrieved 7 November 2024.